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Angel
Timebomb
original air-date: 04-28-04
There is so much in this episode that one
might be tempted to call it a seven course dinner. But really
it’s more of a buffet. There’s enough going
on that each fan can take what he or she wants. Well, except
those who prefer a Lorne rich diet. As with most of this
season, that green skinned sultan of song is mostly wasted
(other than perhaps reminding viewers how annoying push-to-talk
phones are, especially to those nearby who must endure the
beeping).
The
plot is simple enough: What to do about the powder keg known
as Illyria. Angel apparently views “her” as
an obstacle to dealing with the Senior Partners. Gee, you’d
think with the mindwipe mostly gone (the issue of Gunn being
affected is irrelevant at this point) and Lindsey back that
Angel would focus more on a Wolfram & Hart exit plan.
And
speaking of Lindsey, why let him go? “Well, OK, thanks
for telling me we’re already in the apocalypse. Be
sure to grab a mint on the way out!”
Fortunately
the Illyria-centric plot is satisfying enough that many
fans will likely forgive the gap in arc continuity. Amy
Acker is wonderful as the blue haired demi-deity, and Adam
Baldwin continues to steal scenes as the ever wel- pressed
Hamilton. Meanwhile, fans get to see another Wes that’s
neither light nor dark. Instead, it’s, well, “Nutty”
Wes, an amalgam of despair, remorse, and increasing obsession
with Illyria.
If it’s
a little uncomfortable to watch Wes scurrying around his
books, then good: Alexis Denisof is doing a solid job (again).
One might wonder if the writers, as suggested by some in
the past, are taking another cue from the works of Lovecraft,
Clark Ashton Smith, and the like, i.e., those who get involved
with “The Old Ones” tended to lose it!
One
question: Why doesn’t Wes relay his conversation with
Hamilton to Angel? Certainly Angel would want to know that
the SPs are eager to commit Illyriacide.
There
is a subplot involving a pregnant woman and an amusing group
of demons called the “Fell Brethren.” The short
scene involving their choice of beverage is wonderful (due
to unexpected contrast) but perhaps sadly nostalgic,
i.e., missing those light moments more common in seasons
gone by. More importantly, though, the secondary story shows
us that the old Gunn is back. If Wes is not compos mentis
enough to push Angel into action, can Gunn?
The
episode wraps up with some time tripping scenes that are,
well, pretty trippy and fun to watch. Eventually the front
and back stories meet. But the way Angel acts on Illyria’s
would-be advice is unlikely to be what either Gunn or the
fans might expect. The result is another ambiguous ending
with a compelling cliffhanger component. Just what is the
master of brooding up to?
At least
a commercial for New York Minute finally revealed
the true identity of the Senior Partners: The Olsen Twins.
Nooooooooooo!!!!!
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